Jim Stone comments on middle-skill jobs in Marketplace segment

For a long time, Stone said, skilled trades have been seen as somehow less valuable than white collar jobs. What used to be known as vocational training in high school had a reputation as a dead end track for struggling kids, or for failing to prepare students for in-demand jobs.

But as manufacturers complain about a shortage of skilled workers and many families question the value of an expensive four-year college degree, skills training is getting another look. Secretary Clinton’s remarks on the campaign trail have added to the momentum, Stone said.

“Raising that issue now puts it into the conversation at a much higher level,” he said. “Even though President Obama and state governors and others have talked about this, this gets headlines.”